Where can advanced skiers be challenged? There are seven most challenging ski runs in the world. These seven descents can either make you afraid or ready to go if you’re going on a ski trip in France or one of the top ski resorts and want to let your inner explorer out, or if you’re travelling to North America.
They feature extreme technological elements beyond recklessness and a can-do attitude, albeit they aren’t the most dangerous (though some are deadly). If you escape all of these terrors with nothing but views and an adrenaline rush as a reward, you’ll be justifiably proud. Take a look at what are the four top rated ski resorts in the world for more information.
The following are the world’s most challenging ski runs:
JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING, USA CORBET’S COULOIR
A piste that leads to a specific location. Many snow sports enthusiasts travel to this single run to prove themselves and their prowess if such a thing exists. Jackson Hole is rarely described without including Corbet’s couloir because of its fame.
This is primarily because of the terrifying initial plunge; with no other option except to leap of faith, many individuals hover at the top, waiting for others to gather their bravery. It’s a tight path with rocky outcroppings and plenty of powder. It’s no wonder that it’s listed fourth on the list of things for skiers to accomplish before they die.
FRANCE/SWITZERLAND: LA PAS DE CHAVANETTE, PORTES DU SOLEIL
This challenging course, known as the Swiss Wall, travels along the Swiss-French border. It’s one kilometre long and has a vertical drop of more than 300 meters, earning it the nickname “Orange Mountain.”
Moguls, which may grow to enormous proportions with just a tiny bit of heavy snow, make all of this difficult. The initial fifty meters are steep, narrow, and full of prominent moguls, but if you keep your nerve and continue on the direct way, it narrows, becomes rockier, and the moguls keep adding to the thrill.
BANFF, ALBERTA, CANADA DELIRIUM DIVE
The hardship of this race is centered in the first minute, which begins with an agonizing freefall. Because it opens only when the weather permits and the avalanche risk is low enough, this run is weather-dependent. Even so, you can only ski if you’re carrying an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe.
The reward for your first boldness will be excellent views of the Lake Louise resorts and a relatively quick run after the bowl; the challenge will be getting there.
COURCHEVEL, FRANCE, GRAND COULOIR
The Courchevel Couloirs are the simplest, but it is the only one on the piste map; the other two are likely to stay unofficial due to their intricacy. However, the initial run from the cable car to the entrance is steep and requires advanced snow plough techniques. Thus Grand Couloir is not without its difficulties. The entrance is located between two boulders. The course isn’t the most vertical on the list, but it does contain some severe moguls.
SQUAW VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, USA THE FINGERS
On powder days when an unofficial race to the first lifts to get some new tracks is held. The most significant challenge on the fingers is a sheer drop about halfway down, which is almost inescapable but jagged enough to let you determine the length of your freefall. Because the protrusion of the rock reef is visible from the rest of the resort, this is more of a spectator sport than a thrilling experience.
While on the lift, make careful to scope out your line because it will be blind while you’re on the run. A popular choice is a middle knuckle. This isn’t easy due to the fast pace required to compete in the powder race. Coming across the knuckles is the worst kind of a surprise because of the sheer amount of skiers.
VERBIER, TORTIN, SWITZERLAND
Another European run, this time with variable degrees of discomfort depending on the weather. This run is quite beautiful, with a thick covering of powder surrounding Tortin. Many people are surprised at why this dive is so dangerous, especially with moguls hiding behind good protection. However, if you visit Tortin when it’s windy and icy, you’ll have a whole different experience.
As you progress, the moguls get more dangerous, and a kiss of ice will send you hurtling down a terrifyingly long fall that you won’t be able to stop. When combined with the initial steepness, you can find yourself at the bottom needing a stiff drink.
MAD RIVER GLEN, VERMONT, USA, PARADISE
Mad River Glen is a small, old-fashioned ski area with the slogan “Ski it if you can.” We can only assume the name is a play on words. Many people would consider this a challenge, but it’s worth looking at the slopes on the lifts more closely; some should be graded in more difficult colours.
Although Paradise is a black diamond (the United States has two), it is steep, narrow, and rocky. Although it may appear to be no more complicated than many others not on the list, Paradise is far from simple, with confusing routes and a big forest to avoid.
